Consultation on Cambridgeshire council's four-day working week
People can have their say on how they have found services since the council started working a four-day week.South Cambridgeshire District Council began the trial for desk-based staff in January 2023 to help address recruitment and retention issues.Council leader, Bridget Smith, approved the scheme where employees would deliver 100% of their work, in around 80% of their hours, for 100% of their pay.The consultation for people to share their views will be open for eight weeks, closing at 23:59 GMT on 23 March.
Information gathered during the consultation will help district councillors decide the next steps for the four-day week.Lead cabinet member for resources, John Williams, said: "We'd really appreciate residents taking the time to respond to this consultation. "It's always been our plan to give residents, businesses, parish and town councils and community groups the chance to share their views. "Our approach is designed to ensure those who have used our services during the four-day week arrangements can quickly and easily share their views - though anyone, anywhere is welcome to submit comments."The four-day week aimed to improve services by filling vacant posts permanently, rather than relying on more expensive agency staff. Mike Davey, leader of Cambridge City Council, said: "The most important factor for us has always been ensuring our residents continue to receive high quality, reliable services, and we have been keeping a close eye on this throughout – the frequency of bin collections hasn't changed, and the planning service has been open for business five days a week throughout. "We want our residents' voices to be heard – if you're a Cambridge resident please take part."
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